M2
Write, at minimum, a 500-word post addressing at least one of the following leading questions for this week's module. Meaningful and substantive contributions will require 1.) that you carefully read (and reflect on) the material, and 2.) that you think about the arguments, evidence, and interpretations presented in the paper.
1. Release rates for people without convictions fell from 35% to 7%, while their deportation rate rose sharply. What are the competing interests at stake here? Is it public safety, due process, cost, deterrence? How would you personally weigh them if you were setting policy?
2. After reviewing the materials, what specific piece of evidence that you did not currently have stuck out to you? Would you argue that this enforcement shift is working as intended, or having unintended consequences?
3. Why is it important to distinguish between "immigrant," "unauthorized immigrant," "lawful permanent resident," and "naturalized citizen"?
4. Does the evidence support the claim that recent enforcement increases have primarily focused on immigrants who have been convicted of serious or violent crimes? Why or why not?
Reading and Learning Materials
Kramer, S., & Passel, J. S. (2025, August 21). What the data say about immigrants in the U.S. Pew Research Center. Washington DC.
Blair, G., & Hausman, D. (2026, April 7). One Year of Immigration Enforcement. Deportation Data Project. [Read pages 1 to 11].
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